I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of The Reading Life by Anne Bogel

Stars: *****

Baker Books (2018)
Books & Reading
156 pages

Disclosure: I received this book from Baker Books Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.

Summary: Reading isn’t just a way to pass the time–it’s a lifestyle. Books shape, define, and enchant us. They are part of who we are and we can’t imagine life without them.

In this collection of charming and relatable reflections, beloved blogger and author Anne Bogel leads you to remember the book that first hooked you, the place where you first fell in love with reading, and all the books and moments afterward that helped make you the reader you are today.

I’d Rather Be Reading

I absolutely adored this book. If you love reading (and you do otherwise you probably wouldn’t be on a book blog) than you MUST own this little book. A lot of fun and interesting stories and tidbits are packed into its small amount of pages.

First a little about the author: Anne Bogel is the owner of the Modern Mrs Darcy blog and the What Should I Read Next podcast. So she knows books. I love that the book is by a book blogger. Not only that but Anne practically grew up in a library and a book store and has tons of interesting stories about these experiences. Although she shares life stories, it’s not a memoir although it is like one at times.

Anne shares her thoughts and musings on various book/reading related topics, each of which makes a chapter:

Confess Your Literary Sins (“confessions” from other book lovers on book sins they think they’ve committed like not reading a certain author or a certain type of book.)

The Books That Find You (about books that you were meant to read and fell into your lap)

I’m Begging You To Break My Heart (about books that stir great emotion)

The Books Next Door (about how she lived next door to a library for years)

Hooked on the Story (When she realized a book could have her captivated)

Who knew there was so much to discuss about books. My favourite chapter was bookworm problems because it was funny. Here’s a quote:

“You check out more library books than you can carry. You check out more library books than can fit in your tote bag. You forgot your tote bag[…], You take five books to the pool because you can’t decide what to read next. You can’t comfortably manage your purse because you shoved three books in on the way out the door, unable to decide what to read next. […] You’re in the middle of a great book, but you need to go to work. Or to dinner. Or to bed.”

I especially appreciated that the book is good for any type of reader. As a nonfiction reader I find sometimes book “things” leave me out. Whether it’s a book meme or reading challenge or book swag, it usually is written for the fiction reader, or sometimes for specific genres like paranormal or romance. I’d Rather Be Reading is meant for every type of reader. If you are more than a casual reader, you NEED this book.

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.

I’m Number 5!!!

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